Working with the Vice President for Advancement and Communication and Athletic Director, the Senior Development Director (SDD), Athletics oversees major gift fundraising for athletics. Managing a portfolio of approximately 150 athletics donors and prospects, the SDD is expected to make between 15-20 visits per month. This position is responsible for developing the major gift strategy, working collaboratively with colleagues within advancement and athletics.

The SDD must be able to travel on a regular basis and work outside normal business hours. The SDD may also need to be on campus for select athletic contests and/or at other venues depending upon location. Primary duties include:

Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 donors and prospects based on athletic affinity. Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and engage in stewardship to meet or exceed assigned revenue targets.

Utilize face-to-face visits and other contacts to develop and enhance relationships with prospects and to move assigned prospects to higher levels of engagement and giving.

Complete call reports and other administrative responsibilities in a timely manner.

Plan and execute travel in a cost-efficient manner, maximizing visits and outreach efforts.

Collaborate with colleagues in formulating and implementing plans and programs to increase the engagement of selected individual prospects to garner support for the Cardinal Athletics Excellence Fund.

Coordinate athletics major gift plans and activities with advancement and athletics colleagues and other campus partners.

Serve as the division’s liaison to the Athletic department; working with the Athletic Director and coaches to cultivate, solicit and steward donors as appropriate.

Manage budgets associated with the position’s territory fieldwork and programs.

Participate in college events including Reunion Weekend, athletics golf outings, receptions and other events.

Essential Skills and AbilitiesSuccessful candidates will have exceptional communication skills, deep personal drive, the ability to cultivate and deepen relationships, understanding of and appreciation for the liberal arts and private higher education, understanding of the value of diversity and inclusion in higher education, and a track record of success in a goal-driven environment.

Education and ExperienceBachelor’s degree required. Minimum of three to five years of experience in Athletics Development. Master's degree in Athletic Administration, Sport Management, or another related field preferred.

High ethical standards and impeccable personal integrity are required.

Self-motivated, ability to set and meet performance goals.

Understanding of individual donor needs and perceptions.

Knowledge of principles and techniques relevant to major gift fundraising.

Ability to work in a highly dynamic and diverse university setting.

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Experience with Raiser’s Edge or other fundraising software applications

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Required Materials Cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

About Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

A Dynamic and Transformational Learning CommunitySaint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership.Grounded in its Lasallian Catholic identity, Saint Mary’s is a nationally ranked transformational and innovative university with a global footprint. Saint Mary’s graduates gain the advanced knowledge, skills, and critical-thinking abilities necessary to be lifelong learners, successful workers, good neighbors, and ethical citizens that ensure Saint Mary’s standing as a well-known top-tier national university that prepares tomorrow’s leaders.